How to reduce stretch marks during and after pregnancy?

A stretch mark is actually where the elastin and collagen fibres tear from stretching during periods of hormonal change; it is a scar. There are a few places where stretch marks are more likely to appear. 

• Stomach
• Arms 
• Breasts 
• Buttocks 
• Hips 
• Lower back 
• Thighs 

Stretch marks can appear for a variety of reasons and at different times in life, as you may already know from your own experience of stretch marks during pregnancy. It's possible that you already have stretch marks but have never really thought about them. 

Stretch marks can develop as your weight changes or as you grow. Stretch marks are most common in the following situations:

• During puberty 
• During pregnancy 
•  Any time there is a noticeable weight gain

Stretch marks are not harmful or uncomfortable, but their appearance can cause concern.

There is no doubt that there is a lot of discussion about preventing stretch marks during pregnancy. While there are definitely things you can do to try and reduce stretch marks during pregnancy, it is technically impossible for every woman to truly prevent them. Genetics play a role in how likely you are to get stretch marks. 

Do you come from a family with a history of stretch marks? If so, you may have an uphill battle, but there are steps you can take to potentially prevent serious stretch marks.

• Monitor your weight gain: take the opportunity to eat slower and more consistently. This could help prevent you from gaining too much weight. 
• Eat sensibly: stretch marks are less common on healthy skin. One aspect of this is a healthy diet. 
• Use creams or oils: it is never a bad idea to keep your tummy lathered up. 

Our Stretch Mark Oil for pregnant women and new mums targets new stretch marks to help reduce their appearance.
Formulated with maracuja oil, known for its high moisturising properties, this oil helps improve the appearance of stretch marks by strengthening and restoring skin elasticity. It can be used during pregnancy and after the baby is born.

Drinking enough water is one of the most important steps you can take to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Drinking water helps provide the hydration your skin needs to stay healthy. Keeping your skin hydrated helps it to perform better, heal faster and recover from stretch marks caused by pregnancy. Drinking two litres of water a day keeps skin cells hydrated, healthy and flexible.

Stretch marks have a life cycle. In the beginning, they are brightly coloured: red or purple. At this stage of their development, stretch marks are called striae rubra. They are easier to treat. As a result, you have more options for dealing with them.  

Stretch marks change over time. They gradually lose their colour and become almost silvery white. They are now called striae alba. They become much more difficult to manage once they enter the alba phase. To be effective, it is important to treat them early.

Although expensive, it is the most effective. It should only be done if you do not want to have any more children in the future. Depending on whether you have alba or rubra stretch marks, there are many types of laser that can be used. You may need to see a dermatologist three or more times to see any benefit.

Another option is micro-needling, which uses radiofrequencies to reduce the appearance of skin problems such as acne and stretch marks. Compared to laser therapy, micro-needling usually has a shorter recovery time and may be less likely to cause hyperpigmentation of the skin.

Exercise can be a fun and useful way to prevent and manage stretch marks during and after pregnancy, along with hydration, moisturising and massage. Your tummy, hips and thighs  (the areas where stretch marks are most likely to appear) can all benefit from strengthening exercises such as walking and yoga. Strengthening these muscles will help the stretch marks to heal more quickly and will also help to tighten loose skin.

There are many ways to exercise during pregnancy, including swimming, stretching, walking, jogging, weight lifting, yoga and Pilates. Depending on your fitness level, you can start with one day a week and gradually increase to two, three, four or even five days a week.